What does the Eastern Massasauga look like?
The background color of the Eastern Massasauga is typically gray or brownish gray, with a row of dark-brown to black dorsal blotches and three rows of small brown to black spots on each side of the body. The dorsal or side blotches in some individuals may be connected, giving the appearance of stripes.
Does the eastern massasauga have a rattle?
The eastern subspecies is the largest, growing up to 30 inches, or even longer. Somewhat smaller are the western and desert varieties (up to 26 inches and 21 inches, respectively). All Massasaugas are stout-bodied snakes with triangular-shaped heads. And of course, they all have a rattle on the end of their tail!
Is a Massasauga poisonous?
Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper, and like all pit vipers, it is venomous….
| Massasauga | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Sistrurus |
What does Michigan rattlesnakes look like?
The belly is mostly black. It is the only Michigan snake with segmented rattles on the end of its tail and elliptical, (“cat like”) vertical pupils in the eyes. The neck is narrow, contrasting with the wide head and body and the head appears triangular in shape. Adult length is 2 to 3 feet.
How poisonous is a massasauga rattlesnake?
Envenomation can result in hemorrhage, increased vascular permeability, tissue necrosis and, in the worst-case scenario, death from shock. In a case reported by the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, a massasauga rattlesnake bit a 62-year-old man on the right thumb.
What do you do if a massasauga rattler bites you?
KEY POINTS
- Local injury, pain or swelling is concerning for envenomation after a rattlesnake bite.
- Monitoring for coagulopathies is required after massasauga rattlesnake bites.
- Antivenom is the first-line treatment for envenomation.
- Additional doses of antivenom may be needed; thus, close monitoring is required.
Are massasauga rattlesnakes endangered in Ontario?
Threatened (Great Lakes – St. “Threatened” means the species lives in the wild in Ontario, is not endangered, but is likely to become endangered if steps are not taken to address factors threatening it.
What is the only poisonous snake in Michigan?
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes
Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, the only venomous snake in Michigan, are shy creatures that will avoid humans whenever possible. Also known as “swamp rattlers,” they spend the vast majority of their time in year-round wetlands hunting their primary prey, mice.
Where are massasauga rattlesnakes found in Michigan?
The Michigan DNR says the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is rare, but there are records of them in every county in the Lower Peninsula. In the Upper Peninsula the only place they have been spotted is on Bois Blanc Island in Mackinac County.
Are massasauga rattlesnakes endangered?
Least ConcernMassasauga / Conservation status
How many Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes are left?
The precise size of the Massasauga population is challenging to know, with the varying lifespan and population ranges. Still, there are nearly 300 historical populations at a minimum in the United States.
What snake looks like massasauga rattlesnake?
the foxsnake
The blotched pattern of the foxsnake results in it often being mistaken for a massasauga (watch our YouTube video here to learn more about the differences between the two). Foxsnakes can be convincing rattlesnake mimics!
What is the largest snake in Michigan?
Gray Rat Snake
Gray Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) This is Michigan’s largest snake. Adult length: 3.5 to 8 feet.
What do you do if you get bit by a massasauga rattlesnake?
Call emergency services (911) and get to a hospital as quickly and safely as possible. DO NOT apply ice or a tourniquet. DO NOT cut or apply suction to the bite area.
How many massasauga rattlesnakes are in Michigan?
But of the 187 populations of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes believed to be in Michigan, 110 of the groups are considered as doing excellent, good or fair; 35 state populations of the snake are designated as fair to poor, and 42 populations may already be wiped out, he said.
How long do massasauga rattlesnakes live?
The massasauga rattlesnake lifespan in the wild is unknown but the species is known to live in captivity for 20 years.